SEOUL (Dispatches) - U.S. Forces Korea launched a new space forces unit on Wednesday as the allies ramp up efforts to better counter North Korea.
The U.S. Space Forces Korea is the second overseas space component of the U.S. Space Force and is tasked with monitoring, detecting and tracking incoming missiles, as well as bolstering the military’s overall space capability.
U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. Paul LaCamera said the unit would enhance the U.S. ability to ensure peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
South Korea’s air force also set up its own space unit this month to bolster its space power and operation capability together with the U.S. Space Force.
U.S. officials have expressed concerns over rising security activity in space by major rivals, including China’s development of hypersonic weapons and Russia’s test of anti-satellite technology last year.
Beijing has warned Seoul against joining a U.S.-led global missile shield, and criticized the THAAD U.S. missile defense system installed in South Korea.
Around 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea under a mutual defense treaty forged after the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.